Thursday, August 16, 2007

Some After-Thoughts

I am now back home in California and beginning to adapt to my surroundings once again. It's always an adjustment to return home after experiencing such life-changing events in Africa. How are they life-changing? Well, some of the things experienced and witnessed there cut through the core of my being, forever piercing my heart. The children touch my heart like nothing I've ever felt before. The people I met in Zambia are the most generous I've ever met, despite possessing not even a fourth of what an average American possesses. Makes you realize what's really important in life. They take time for each other. They stop to listen to your problems. They share your heartache and pain, your losses. They understand what it's like to struggle. Their laughter is contagious. You can't help but to cry when they cry. A hug is worth a thousand words. Their deeds are couragious. I admire them greatly. They've taught me so much. As the next days goes by, then the months and even years, I pray that the impressions that have been left are never forgotten. I pray the burdens I felt for the people never leave me. I pray the compassion I feel for the children only grows stronger. I pray peace, blessings, and more blessings upon the people of Zambia. I pray the children never hunger again. I pray the people be healed of their diseases. I pray people around the world join hands to help in any way they can. I look forward to witnessing prosperity spread across all of Africa. I look forward to orphans growing up to be world leaders. I look forward to seeing a new hope, a new fate, a new Africa.

God bless!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Almost Left Behind

Alright, so I ran into a few problems at the Lusaka airport before flying out to go home....an unpleasant surprise, I must say. For the sake of revealing my emotions about the situation, I am going to copy what I wrote in my journal, as it is now a few days later. We tend to settle down once things are resolved, but I want to paint a picture of how I felt immediately after "the situation". So here it goes.......

"Wow, did I ever have an experience at the airport! I just barely made my flight. It was a bunch of b.s. in my opinion. When I went up to the immigration counter, the lady said I over-extended my stay and need to pay a fee. My passport said I was to leave Zambia July 27th (as if I'd only stay 11 days and tell them I'm leaving July 27, even when my flight itinerary clearly says I'm leaving August 8th). I couldn't believe it! I was upset, so I asked to speak to the manager. She pointed me toward a man who then proceeded to tell me that I must've told them July 27th as the leave date when I entered the country. The only option was to pay over 1 million kwacha (about $300 USD). I didn't have that money. I was so broke at that point; I only had 5 one-dollar bills in my purse. He gave me no alternative but to go to court. I asked to use the phone, so one of the immigration ladies took my passport away from me and escorted me outside of the airport to the business office to use the phone. I called the Director at the orphan day center (Angela) and luckily she picked up. I explained the situation; she said she was on her way. After speaking to her, I was escorted back through security. The lady snapped her fingers at me and barked out orders to "go stand there." She was really working my nerves. I managed to keep it together, though. After giving her an evil, dirty look, I realized that I needed to remain cool, calm, and collected. I took many deep breaths and reminded myself that everything happens for a reason, even the mistreatment I was experiencing; maybe I wasn't supposed to board that plane for some reason. My heart was racing a mile a minute - partly because I was so angry at how I was being treated for something I didn't do; partly because I didn't know what to expect the outcome to look like. Angela arrived shortly and walked through security with an airport staff who happened to be her niece. She was very kind, and I really felt she was trying to help resolve the situation. She asked the manager guy to see a copy of my immigration card (the one I supposedly wrote July 27th on). He took us back to the closet where all the yellow cards are stowed. It was a complete mess! Total disorder. Many cards lying on the floor. So I asked him how he could prove I wrote down the wrong date. He said he'd have to "look" for it and wouldn't be able to find it before my flight departed (which, at this point, was in about 25 minutes). Hmmmm, no kidding! What a complete joke! I was ticked off because although Angela brought all of the money and came to my rescue, I didn't want her to pay. That's a whole lotta money! Many Zambians don't get paid that much in a whole year!! Simply upsetting. Angela was very calm, however, and advised me that the best thing to do is just pay so I could be on my way home. She told the manager guy, though, that she'll be back in a month and wants to see a copy of my immigration card for peace of mind. I asked him if he'd reimburse her if there was a mistake on their part. The answer was "no". And Americans complain that customer service is bad in their country. Anyway, to make a long story short, after hearing 'Passenger Holland, please board Kenya Airways for departure' about 3 times, I found myself running through the airport, running across the runway, and sprinting up the stairs to board the plane. They shut the door behind me. I barely made it. The good news is that I made it."

Wow, what a journey it's been. I really feel fortunate to have been helped in that situation. I really owe Angela. It's a bit of a frustrating situation to not be able to repay a person right away for such a great deed. In fact, I don't get paid until end of September. Things are really tight, but this situation keeps my on my toes of faith day by day. I like to think of it as spiritual boot camp. This is nothin' compared to what is to come in the future. I'm reminded of a verse in the book of Jeremiah that states, "If you race with men on foot and they've wearied (tired) you, how will you contend with horses?" I think it's in chapter 12?

Anyway, so here I am....home sweet home. I'm in Minnesota now. I arrived last night. Both of my pieces of luggage are missing, but I'm hoping they'll show up soon. It feels good to be home. I can't wait to see my family! They live a few hours from Minneapolis, so as soon as I get my luggage, I'm boltin' up there. I also have a friend who flew in to Minneapolis yesterday from California. He's going to help me drive my car back to California. So that was a pleasant surprise. God continues to take care of His children - no doubt. Although my statements above about the mishap at the Lusaka airport sound a bit disheartening, I am humbled by the fact that it really doesn't compare to the apples that so many around the world are given in life. I must say, I'm really blessed. I thank God for His favor upon me. I also want to thank each and every one of you who've journeyed this path with me to Zambia and back. It's been more than words. My experiences in Africa this trip have been a tremendous blessing! The people, the challenges, the joy, the memories - I'll cherish them always. And I'm looking forward to doing it again. I'll be going back next year for 6 weeks, instead of 3. I've already decided. I'm going to begin fund-raising now. So anyone who'd like to support me in my upcoming journey back to Africa, please do so on my website. I pray for each person that's supported me and continues to support me - that blessings will come showering upon you, because I know how much your generosity has showered me with blessings. Thank you!

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Just a Few Days Left

On Friday afternoon I had the opportunity to do a home visit to a young boy's home whom I visited last year. I wanted to follow up with the family and see how things are going. This boy stays with his grandparents, and there are 7 children who reside with them. Most of them sleep on the concrete floor in their tiny home. I asked the grandma what their greatest needs are as a family. She said her husband works, but it's not enough money to feed them for the whole month. They usually run out of food by the end of the month. She would like to have enough money to afford to start her own business (such as selling tomotoes, popcorn, or kapenta) to help generate income for the family. Their youngest son, only 12 years old, recently had to drop out of school because they couldn't afford the monthly school fees of 10,000 kwacha (only about $2.50USD). He now goes to the water well and helps people draw water from the well to make a little bit of money for the family. Still the family is in need. Not all members have a blanket to cover them at night (and the evenings get quite cold). This is just one example of the thousands of families who survive this way in Lusaka. Imagine! I gave the grandma all that I had in my pocket (a lousy 4,000 kwacha - just over a buck). She was grateful; she said she will buy vegetables for the kids that day with the money. She wished many blessings upon me as I left. I told her I'd be back next year to visit her. My plan is to ensure that her 12-year-old son is back in school, so I'd like to pay for his school fees. I also want them all to have blankets. We'll see if I can get this done before I leave.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit my good friend, Salome's, family. I had hoped to visit her mother and siblings last year, but it didn't work out. As much as my schedule is tight, I needed to make time for the visit. Wow, was I blessed! I shed tears as I told them about the girls I was working with in my workshop; I shed more tears as her mother told me stories of her own; and I shed even more tears saying good-bye. Only a few hours with this woman, and I realized what an amazing woman she is! Now I know why Salome is so incredible! Her mother spoke some very powerful words into my life, and I will cherish them always. She calls me her daughter, so I guess that means I have 2 African mothers now. How blessed I am!

Okay, I have many more words to share but so little time. I have to log off now and get other things done. Not sure if I'll have time to blog again before I depart. I'll try. I will be arriving back to the states Thursday night. Can't wait to share all the incredible stories with so many of you in person. God bless!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

End of Workshop with the Girls

I finished up my workshop yesterday with the larger group of girls. They drew pictures and discussed a time when they got angry. They also shared how they can appropriately deal with their anger. We ended the session with the girls making their own sock puppets. I sewed on buttons for the eyes, and the girls used markers to draw the nose, mouth, body, etc.. I was hoping to have the girls do a puppet show, but we ran out of time. So, instead, they used the sock puppets with one another to express different feelings and emotions (i.e. sad, lonely, excited, depressed, happy, angry, etc.). It went well overall, although I noticed I was having a bit of difficulty again handling the larger class size. It got a bit noisy and disorderly at times. I'm learning.

On Monday evening, an UNZA friend accompanied me to a Rotary Club meeting. I met the president there, and he shared a bit about their club. They have about 32 members, and there are 6 clubs in Lusaka. This club in particular has a few projects going, which he'd like to discuss with me in more detail sometime this week. One project is building a school for the deaf, and another is building water wells in some of the outside provinces. I'd like to see if there's a possibility of any clubs in California to help them with their efforts here in Zambia. That night at the meeting I was informed that they had planned to have a business meeting, so there wasn't enough time to have me as a special speaker. However, the president gave me a few minutes to introduce myself and inform them of my relationship with Rotary, as well as what I am doing in Lusaka. I passed out some of my business cards and hope to make connections with the Rotarians. I was told that they'll be attending a conference in L.A. next mid-June. It'd be nice to join them there. The president gave me their Rotary flag/banner. I would've liked to have given them a flag in exchange, but I promised to be back next year. I will present them with one then.

Last night we had a famous Zambian reggae artist and his wife, who is also a famous musician, over for dinner. His name is Maiko Zulu; her name is Sista D. It was great learning more about their journey as artists and what they are doing for their community. Maiko has been personally involved with Kondwa, and both he and his wife have been promoting children's rights. They've done a concert in London to raise money for the kids; they've also performed in West Africa and some southern African countries. I think Maiko's music would do quite well in the Bay Area, particularly Berkeley, Oakland, and even San Francisco. Maybe a possibility to have them visit the US to spread their good message, their voice for the people, women, and children.

This morning I will be meeting with my professor from San Jose State University who is here in Lusaka. He will be introducing me to a woman originally from Minnesota who has set up a program here in Lusaka targeted at street children. She is a social worker and has dedicated her life now to helping the kids here on the streets. There is a vast number of them, and it is no easy task to tackle. I'm looking forward to meeting her and learning more about her approach to helping them and the community.

Thank you everyone for your ongoing support! I'm pleased to say that I am still in great health, despite the adjustments my body has had to make to a bit of difference in diet. The dust and diesel here also take a slight toll on the body. I'm holding up very well. One more week and I'll be at the airport getting ready to return home. Have a great week everyone!